Cashmere. It’s almost onomatopoeic, the word itself feels soft.
The fabric is named after the area in which the wool was first developed – Kashmir, in the northernmost region of the Indian subcontinent. Nowadays, the manufacturing region covers China, Mongolia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran – where cashmere-producing goats are bred at altitudes of over 4,000 feet.
Also known as the fibre of kings, or the golden fleece, cashmere has earned its luxury reputation because of how difficult it is to harvest - it takes a single goat an entire year to produce enough cashmere for just one scarf. The extremely soft hairs form solely beneath the goat’s coarse outer coat, on their neck and underbelly.
In Greek mythology, Jason, alongside his trusty Argonauts, was said to have embarked on a quest for the golden fleece of the winged ram in order to secure his rightful seat on the throne of Iolcus in Thessaly. However, the term ‘cashmere’ didn’t arrive until around the sixteenth century, when it was used to describe the woollen fabrics spun by Kashmiri craftsmen on the Silk Road bound for India.
Cashmere fibres are longer, smoother and straighter than other forms of wool. They grow even longer as the seasons grow colder, and in Inner Mongolia, temperatures drop to well below minus 40 degrees Celsius. Born out of the evolutionary need to adapt to their environment, no animal does the cold better than Mongolian goats. By the end of the winter, the goats begin to shed their inner and outer coats and the cashmere fibres are harvested delicately and expertly with a single, fine-toothed comb.
As such, there’s simply no better wool to keep you warm during the winter months. We’ve all shuddered at the feeling of a partner’s unwelcome, freezing cold toes in the middle of the night, or tiptoed painfully across icy kitchen tiles in search of a midnight snack – but it’s nothing a pair of cashmere socks can’t fix.
How do you care for cashmere?
Due to its luxury nature, it’s essential to understand how to take care of your cashmere item so that it goes the distance (metaphorically - don’t go hiking in cashmere socks, please). We spoke to Ali, owner of sustainable, second-hand cashmere brand, the Nearly New Cashmere Co, for some top tips on how to extend the life of your cashmere.
“It’s important to be aware that, when you’re buying cashmere socks, they’re not for daily use with walking shoes,” Ali notes, urging those interested in purchasing a pair to only wear them to keep warm indoors. “They are, however, particularly great for those with bad circulation during the winter,” she adds.
“Cashmere loves a good wash. With the majority of cashmere, you can put them in on a short, gentle cycle at no more than 30 degrees and a fast spin - they’ll look just like new,” says Ali. Cashmere, contrary to popular belief, also restores incredibly well. Simply purchase a cashmere comb to remove excess piling and give your garment a new lease of life.
Who said getting your parent, partner or friend a luxurious pair of socks for Christmas was a no-no? Have a look at our round-up of the best cashmere socks on the market right now.
